1
|
Das S, Dunbar S. Multiplex Immunoassay Approaches Using Luminex® xMAP® Technology for the Study of COVID-19 Disease. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1412:479-489. [PMID: 37378784 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-28012-2_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been one of the most severe outbreaks of respiratory illness in history. The clinical symptoms of COVID-19 may be similar to flu, although they can be life-threatening, particularly in the elderly and immunocompromised population. Together with nucleic acid detection, serological testing has been essential for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection but has been critically important for studying the epidemiology, serosurveillance, and for vaccine research and development. Multiplexed immunoassay technologies have a particular advantage as they can simultaneously measure multiple analytes from a single sample. xMAP technology is a multiplex analysis platform that can measure up to 500 analytes at the same time from the same sample. It has been shown to be an important tool for studying immune response to the various SARS-CoV-2 antigens, as well as for measuring host protein biomarker levels as prognostic indicators of COVID-19. In this chapter, we describe several key studies where xMAP technology was used for multiplexed analysis of SARS-COV-2 antibody responses and host protein expression in COVID-19 patients.
Collapse
|
2
|
Development and Validation of a Multiplex Microsphere Immunoassay Using Dried Blood Spots for SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence: Application in First Responders in Colorado, USA. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:JCM.00290-21. [PMID: 33795412 PMCID: PMC8315929 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00290-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Serological testing of large representative populations for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is needed to estimate seroprevalence, transmission dynamics, and the duration of antibody responses from natural infection and vaccination. In this study, a high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 multiplex microsphere immunoassay (MMIA) was developed for the receptor binding domain (RBD) and nucleocapsid (N) that was more sensitive than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (98% versus 87%). The MMIA was then applied and validated in 264 first responders in Colorado using serum and dried blood spot (DBS) eluates, compared to ELISA, and evaluated for neutralizing antibodies. Four percent (11/264) of first responders were seropositive in July to August 2020. Serum and DBS were highly correlated for anti-RBD and anti-N antibodies (R = 0.83, P < 0.0001 and R = 0.87, P < 0.0001, respectively) by MMIA. The MMIA accurately predicted SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies using DBS (R = 0.76, P = 0.037). On repeat antibody testing 3 months later, anti-RBD IgG decreased less rapidly than anti-N IgG measured by MMIA, with a median change in geometric median fluorescence intensity of 62% versus 79% (P < 0.01) for anti-RBD and anti-N IgG, respectively. This novel MMIA using DBS could be scalable for rapid and affordable SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance in the United States and globally.
Collapse
|
3
|
Sikombe K, Hantuba C, Musukuma K, Sharma A, Padian N, Holmes C, Czaicki N, Simbeza S, Somwe P, Bolton-Moore C, Sikazwe I, Geng E. Accurate dried blood spots collection in the community using non-medically trained personnel could support scaling up routine viral load testing in resource limited settings. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223573. [PMID: 31622394 PMCID: PMC6797100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular plasma HIV-RNA testing for persons living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is now the global standard, but as many as 60% of persons in Africa today on ART do not have access to standard laboratory HIV-RNA assays. As a result, patients in Zambia often receive treatment without any means of determining true virologic failure, which poses a risk of premature switch of ART regimens and widespread HIV drug resistance. Dry blood spots (DBS) on the other hand require unskilled personnel and less complex storage supply chain so are ideal to capture viral-load results from HIV patients outside clinic settings. We assess collection of DBS in the community using non-medically trained personnel (NMP) and documented challenges. We trained 23 NMP to collect DBS from lost to follow-up (LTFU) patients in 4 rural and urban Zambian districts. We developed a phlebotomy box to transport DBS without contamination at ambient temperature and concomitant training and standard operating procedures. We evaluated this through field observations, bi-weekly meetings, reports, and staff meetings. The laboratory assessed DBS quality for testing validity. We attempted to collect DBS from 357 participants in the community. Though individual reasons for refusal from the remaining 37% were not collected, NMPs reported privacy concerns, awkward box-size which drew attention in the community and fears of undisclosed uses of samples related to witchcraft and circulating narratives about past research. Successful DBS collection was not associated with patient gender, age, time on ART, enrolment CD4, facility. DBS viral-load collection by NMP is feasible in Zambia. Our training approach and assessments of NMP not part of the health system can be extended to patients by giving them more responsibility to manage their own differentiated care groups. Concerted efforts that compare collection of DBS by NMP to those collected by skilled-medical personnel are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cardinal Hantuba
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Kalo Musukuma
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Nancy Padian
- Division of Epidemiology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Charles Holmes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for Global Health and Quality, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
| | - Nancy Czaicki
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Sandra Simbeza
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Paul Somwe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Carolyn Bolton-Moore
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Izukanji Sikazwe
- Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Elvin Geng
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
Conventional skin and blood sampling techniques for disease diagnosis, though effective, are often highly invasive and some even suffer from variations in analysis. With the improvements in molecular detection, the amount of starting sample quantity needed has significantly reduced in some diagnostic procedures, and this has led to an increased interest in microsampling techniques for disease biomarker detection. The miniaturization of sampling platforms driven by microsampling has the potential to shift disease diagnosis and monitoring closer to the point of care. The faster turnaround time for actionable results has improved patient care. The variations in sample quantification and analysis remain a challenge in the microsampling field. The future of microsampling looks promising. Emerging techniques are being clinically tested and monitored by regulatory bodies. This process is leading to safer and more reliable diagnostic platforms. This review discusses the advantages and disadvantages of current skin and blood microsampling techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benson U W Lei
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Building MM - MM2-01F, GPO Box 2471, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA, 5095, Australia.,Dermatology Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia
| | - Tarl W Prow
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Campus, Building MM - MM2-01F, GPO Box 2471, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Mawson Lakes, Adelaide, SA, 5095, Australia. .,Dermatology Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Reust MJ, Lee MH, Xiang J, Zhang W, Xu D, Batson T, Zhang T, Downs JA, Dupnik KM. Dried Blood Spot RNA Transcriptomes Correlate with Transcriptomes Derived from Whole Blood RNA. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:1541-1546. [PMID: 29512483 PMCID: PMC5953367 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Obtaining RNA from clinical samples collected in resource-limited settings can be costly and challenging. The goals of this study were to 1) optimize messenger RNA extraction from dried blood spots (DBS) and 2) determine how transcriptomes generated from DBS RNA compared with RNA isolated from blood collected in Tempus tubes. We studied paired samples collected from eight adults in rural Tanzania. Venous blood was collected on Whatman 903 Protein Saver cards and in tubes with RNA preservation solution. Our optimal DBS RNA extraction used 8 × 3-mm DBS punches as the starting material, bead beater disruption at maximum speed for 60 seconds, extraction with Illustra RNAspin Mini RNA Isolation kit, and purification with Zymo RNA Concentrator kit. Spearman correlations of normalized gene counts in DBS versus whole blood ranged from 0.887 to 0.941. Bland-Altman plots did not show a trend toward over- or under-counting at any gene size. We report a method to obtain sufficient RNA from DBS to generate a transcriptome. The DBS transcriptome gene counts correlated well with whole blood transcriptome gene counts. Dried blood spots for transcriptome studies could be an option when field conditions preclude appropriate collection, storage, or transport of whole blood for RNA studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary J. Reust
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Myung Hee Lee
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Wei Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Dong Xu
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tatiana Batson
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ngwej DT, Mukuku O, Malonga FK, Luboya ON, Kakoma JBS, Wembonyama SO. [Seroprevalence and factors associated with Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) for HIV among children in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo]. Pan Afr Med J 2017; 28:82. [PMID: 29255552 PMCID: PMC5724940 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2017.28.82.9566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malgré le dépistage du VIH proposé lors de la naissance ou au cours des consultations préscolaires, la proportion des enfants qui croissent ou décèdent sous statut sérologique au VIH inconnu est importante en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). L’objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la séroprévalence au cours d’un dépistage volontaire et d’identifier les facteurs associés à l’acceptation du conseil et dépistage du VIH (CDV) en dehors de la maladie ou de toute exposition au VIH dans une population pédiatrique à Lubumbashi, RDC. Méthodes Il s’agissait d’une étude prospective transversale à visée analytique menée du 1er août 2006 au 31 septembre 2007. Elle avait été réalisée dans 4 centres communautaires de CDV répartis dans 4 zones de santé de la ville de Lubumbashi en RDC (Lubumbashi, Ruashi, Kampemba et de Kenya). L’étude avait consisté à faire le dépistage volontaire du VIH chez les enfants de moins de 15 ans. Les caractéristiques sociodémographiques et les paramètres relatifs au conseil et dépistage volontaire ont été étudiés. Les analyses statistiques descriptives usuelles et une régression logistique ont été réalisées. Résultats Sur 463 enfants dépistés du VIH, 41 (8,9%; IC 95%: 6,5%-11,9%) ont été testés positifs. L’acceptation du conseil et dépistage volontaire du VIH en dehors de la maladie ou de l’exposition au VIH était significativement plus élevée lorsque l’enfant était âgé de plus de 2 ans (Odds ratio ajusté (ORa) = 3,6 [IC 95%: 1,1-12,2]), lorsque le statut sérologique du VIH des parents était négatif ou inconnu (ORa = 27,4 [IC 95%: 9,4-80,0]), lorsque l’un ou l’autre ou les deux parents biologiques étaient en vie (ORa = 24,9 [IC 95%: 2,4-250,8]) et lorsque la connaissance du lieu de dépistage était fait par des moyens autres que le professionnel de santé (ORa = 2,9 [IC 95%: 1,0-7,9]). Conclusion Notre étude montre une forte prévalence du VIH chez les enfants justifiant la nécessité de réaliser le CDV qui est significativement accepté par leurs parents et tuteurs dans la ville de Lubumbashi.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieudonné Tshikwej Ngwej
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo.,Bureau Provincial de ICAP/RDC, Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
| | - Olivier Mukuku
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
| | | | - Oscar Numbi Luboya
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
| | - Jean-Baptiste Sakatolo Kakoma
- Département de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Evaluation of four commercial virological assays for early infant HIV-1 diagnosis using dried blood specimens. Pediatr Res 2017; 81:80-87. [PMID: 27653084 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early infant diagnosis (EID) of HIV-1 is necessary to reduce HIV-related mortality. As maternal antibodies transferred across the placenta may persist up to 18 mo, commercial virological assays (CVAs) are needed. This study compares four CVAs for EID using dried blood specimens (DBS) from HIV-1-exposed infants. METHODS DBS from 68 infants born to HIV-1-infected women were collected from November 2012 to December 2013 in Equatorial Guinea. Four CVAs were performed: Siemens VERSANT HIV-1 RNA 1.0 kPCR assay, Roche CAP/CTM Quantitative Test v2.0, CAP/CTM Qualitative Tests v1.0 and v2.0. Definitive diagnosis was established following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. RESULTS Two HIV-1-infected infants (2.9%) were detected by the four CVAs while 49 (72%) resulted negative. Discordant results were observed in 17 (25%) infants and HIV-1 infection was excluded in 14 patients when virological and serological testing was performed in additional DBS. Different false-positive rates HIV-1 were observed with Roche assays. CONCLUSION CVAs using DBS were useful for EID, although discrepant results were common. Further research is required to reduce false-positive results that could result in wrong diagnosis and unneeded treatment. We propose caution with low viral load (VL) values when using VL assays. Clear guidelines are required for EID of HIV-exposed infants with discrepant virological results.
Collapse
|
8
|
Mdlalose N, Parboosing R, Moodley P. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in HIV-positive and HIV-negative infants: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Afr J Lab Med 2016; 5:283. [PMID: 28879104 PMCID: PMC5436393 DOI: 10.4102/ajlm.v5i1.283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) amongst South African infants and children has been reported in the pre-HIV era. Despite the reported high prevalence of HIV in the general population of South Africa, the rate of HIV/HBV co-infection amongst infants and children remains poorly reported. Objectives We describe the prevalence of HBV infection amongst HIV-positive and HIV-negative infants by molecular methods of diagnosis using dried blood spot samples. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2011 and December 2011 in an academic referral laboratory offering viral diagnostic services to the entire KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. A total of 322 study samples were collected from discarded residual dried blood spot samples following routine infant diagnosis of HIV. Equal proportions of HIV-positive and HIV-negative infant specimens were studied. Statistical differences in the prevalence of HBV between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative samples were calculated using the Pearson chi-square test, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Further testing for HBV DNA using a nested polymerase chain reaction method was performed. Results The overall prevalence of HBV was 10%. In the HIV-positive group, 21 of 161 infants tested positive for HBV compared with 12 of 161 HIV-negative infants who tested positive for HBV. The proportion of infants infected with HBV was marginally higher amongst HIV-positive infants (13.0%; 95% CI 6.8–19.9) compared with HIV-negative infants (7.5%; 95% CI 2.5–13.7; P = 0.098), though not statistically significant. Conclusion The finding of a 10% HBV prevalence in this infant cohort is clinically significant. The non-statistically significant difference in HBV prevalence between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative infants suggests that high prevalence of HBV infection in children may be a problem independent of HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nokukhanya Mdlalose
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Raveen Parboosing
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Pravi Moodley
- Department of Virology, National Health Laboratory Service, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu C, Liao SC, Song J, Mauk MG, Li X, Wu G, Ge D, Greenberg RM, Yang S, Bau HH. A high-efficiency superhydrophobic plasma separator. LAB ON A CHIP 2016; 16:553-60. [PMID: 26732765 PMCID: PMC4729584 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc01235j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
To meet stringent limit-of-detection specifications for low abundance target molecules, a relatively large volume of plasma is needed for many blood-based clinical diagnostics. Conventional centrifugation methods for plasma separation are not suitable for on-site testing or bedside diagnostics. Here, we report a simple, yet high-efficiency, clamshell-style, superhydrophobic plasma separator that is capable of separating a relatively large volume of plasma from several hundred microliters of whole blood (finger-prick blood volume). The plasma separator consists of a superhydrophobic top cover with a separation membrane and a superhydrophobic bottom substrate. Unlike previously reported membrane-based plasma separators, the separation membrane in our device is positioned at the top of the sandwiched whole blood film to increase the membrane separation capacity and plasma yield. In addition, the device's superhydrophobic characteristics (i) facilitates the formation of well-defined, contracted, thin blood film with a high contact angle; (ii) minimizes biomolecular adhesion to surfaces; (iii) increases blood clotting time; and (iv) reduces blood cell hemolysis. The device demonstrated a "blood in-plasma out" capability, consistently extracting 65 ± 21.5 μL of plasma from 200 μL of whole blood in less than 10 min without electrical power. The device was used to separate plasma from Schistosoma mansoni genomic DNA-spiked whole blood with a recovery efficiency of >84.5 ± 25.8%. The S. mansoni genomic DNA in the separated plasma was successfully tested on our custom-made microfluidic chip by using loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changchun Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| | - Shih-Chuan Liao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA. and Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung 912, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jinzhao Song
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| | - Michael G Mauk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| | - Xuanwen Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, USA
| | - Gaoxiang Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dengteng Ge
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert M Greenberg
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Shu Yang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 3231 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Haim H Bau
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 210 Towne Building, 220 South 33rd St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Smith S, Moodley K, Govender U, Chen H, Fourie L, Ngwenya S, Kumar S, Mjwana P, Cele H, Mbanjwa MB, Potgieter S, Joubert TH, Land K. Paper-based smart microfluidics for education and low-cost diagnostics. S AFR J SCI 2015. [DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2015/20140358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Current centralised healthcare models pose many challenges, particularly for developing countries such as South Africa, where travel and time costs make it difficult for patients to seek healthcare, even when urgently needed. To address this issue, point-of-care (PoC) tests, which are performed at or near the site of clinical care, have gained popularity and are actively being developed. Microfluidic systems, in which small volumes of fluids can be processed, provide an ideal platform on which to develop PoC diagnostic solutions. Specifically, the emerging field of paper-based microfluidics, with advantages such as low-cost, disposability and minimal external equipment requirements, provides unique opportunities for addressing healthcare issues in developing countries. This work explores the field of paper-based microfluidics, with step-by-step instructions on the design, manufacture and testing processes to realise paper-based devices towards diagnostic applications. Paper-based microfluidic and electronic components are presented, as well as the integration of these components to provide smart paper-based devices. This serves as an educational tool, enabling both beginners and experts in the field to fast-track development of unique paper-based solutions towards PoC diagnostics, with emphasis on the South African context, where both the need for and impact of these solutions are great.
Collapse
|
11
|
Adeniyi VO, Thomson E, Ter Goon D, Ajayi IA. Disclosure, stigma of HIV positive child and access to early infant diagnosis in the rural communities of OR Tambo District, South Africa: a qualitative exploration of maternal perspective. BMC Pediatr 2015; 15:98. [PMID: 26306387 PMCID: PMC4549931 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-015-0414-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the overwhelming evidence confirming the morbidity and mortality benefits of early initiation of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected infants, some children are still disadvantaged from gaining access to care. The understanding of the maternal perspective on early infant HIV diagnosis and prompt initiation of HAART has not been adequately explored, especially in the rural communities of South Africa. This study explores the perspectives of mothers of HIV-exposed infants with regard to early infant diagnosis (EID) through a lens of social and structural barriers to accessing primary healthcare in OR Tambo district, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. METHODS In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured interviews at two primary healthcare centres in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality of the OR Tambo district, South Africa. Twenty-four purposive sample of mothers of HIV-exposed infants took part in the study. Interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and field notes were obtained. The findings were triangulated with two focus group discussions in order to enrich and validate the qualitative data. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the data. RESULTS The participants have fairly good knowledge of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the risks during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. The majority of participants were confident of the protection offered by anti-retroviral drugs provided during pregnancy, however, lack knowledge of optimal time for early infant diagnosis of HIV. Reasons for not accessing EID included fear of finding out that their child is HIV positive, feelings of guilt and/or shame and embarrassment with respect to raising an HIV infected infant. Personal experiences of HIV diagnosis and HAART were associated with participants' attitudes and beliefs toward care-seeking behaviours. Stigma resulting from their own disclosure to others reduced their likelihood of recommending EID to other members of their communities. CONCLUSION Despite the good knowledge of mothers about infant HIV infection and the availability of treatment, the knowledge of the optimal time for early infant diagnosis is lacking. Fear of infant HIV diagnosis and stigma are challenges for universal coverage of early infant diagnosis in these rural communities. Hence, community education and intensive counselling of pregnant women about early infant diagnosis are urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Oladele Adeniyi
- School of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa.
- Adult Wellness/EMTCT Research Project, Cecilia Makiwane Hospital, East London Hospital Complex, Private Bag X 9047, Mdantsane, East London, 5200, South Africa.
| | - Elza Thomson
- African Centre for HIV/AIDS Management, Faculty of Economic Management Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
| | - Daniel Ter Goon
- School of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa.
| | - Idowu Anthony Ajayi
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
False-positive HIV test results in infancy and management of uninfected children receiving antiretroviral therapy. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2015; 34:607-9. [PMID: 25973939 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000000684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This report summarizes 2 children misdiagnosed with HIV infection in a clinic in rural Zambia and discusses the implications of false-positive HIV DNA tests in HIV-exposed infants, including the potential magnitude of the problem. Recommendations are needed to address the management of children receiving antiretroviral therapy who are suspected of being uninfected.
Collapse
|
13
|
Smit PW, Elliott I, Peeling RW, Mabey D, Newton PN. An overview of the clinical use of filter paper in the diagnosis of tropical diseases. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 90:195-210. [PMID: 24366501 PMCID: PMC3919219 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical infectious diseases diagnosis and surveillance are often hampered by difficulties of sample collection and transportation. Filter paper potentially provides a useful medium to help overcome such problems. We reviewed the literature on the use of filter paper, focusing on the evaluation of nucleic acid and serological assays for diagnosis of infectious diseases using dried blood spots (DBS) compared with recognized gold standards. We reviewed 296 eligible studies and included 101 studies evaluating DBS and 192 studies on other aspects of filter paper use. We also discuss the use of filter paper with other body fluids and for tropical veterinary medicine. In general, DBS perform with sensitivities and specificities similar or only slightly inferior to gold standard sample types. However, important problems were revealed with the uncritical use of DBS, inappropriate statistical analysis, and lack of standardized methodology. DBS have great potential to empower healthcare workers by making laboratory-based diagnostic tests more readily accessible, but additional and more rigorous research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pieter W. Smit
- Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ivo Elliott
- Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul N. Newton
- Leiden Cytology and Pathology Laboratory, Leiden, The Netherlands; London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital–Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic; Department of Infectious Diseases, Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom; Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Feasibility of performing multiple point of care testing for HIV anti-retroviral treatment initiation and monitoring from multiple or single fingersticks. PLoS One 2013; 8:e85265. [PMID: 24376873 PMCID: PMC3869909 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point of Care testing (POCT) provides on-site, rapid, accessible results. With current South African anti-retroviral treatment guidelines, up to 4 fingersticks /patient/clinic visit could be required if utilizing POC. We determined the feasibility and accuracy of a nurse performing multiple POCT on multiple fingersticks followed by simplification of the process by performance of multiple POC on a single fingerstick. METHOD AND FINDINGS Random HIV positive adult patients presenting at a HIV treatment clinic in South Africa, for ART initiation/ monitoring, were approached to participate in the study between April-June 2012. Phase I: n=150 patients approached for multiple POCT on multiple fingersticks. Phase II: n=150 patients approached for multiple POCT on a single fingerstick. The following POC tests were performed by a dedicated nurse: PIMA (CD4), HemoCue (hemoglobin), Reflotron (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine). A venepuncture specimen was taken for predicate laboratory methodology. Normal laboratory ranges and Royal College of Pathologists Australasia (RCPA) allowable differences were used as guidelines for comparison. In 67% of participants, ≥3 tests were requested per visit. All POCT were accurate but ranged in variability. Phase I: Hemoglobin was accurate (3.2%CV) while CD4, alanine aminotransferase and creatinine showed increased variability (16.3%CV; 9.3%CV; 12.9%CV respectively). PIMA generated a misclassification of 12.4%. Phase II: Hemoglobin, alanine aminotransferase and creatinine showed good accuracy (3.2%CV, 8.7%CV, 6.4%CV respectively) with increased variability on CD4 (12.4%CV) but low clinical misclassification (4.1%). No trends were observed for the sequence in which POC was performed on a single fingerstick. Overall, PIMA CD4 generated the highest error rate (16-19%). CONCLUSIONS Multiple POCT for ART initiation and/or monitoring can be performed practically by a dedicated nurse on multiple fingersticks. The process is as accurate as predicate methodology and can be simplified using a single fingerstick.
Collapse
|
15
|
Impact of proficiency testing program for laboratories conducting early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants in low- to middle-income countries. J Clin Microbiol 2013; 52:773-80. [PMID: 24353004 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.03097-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A voluntary, cost-free external quality assessment (EQA) program established by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was implemented to primarily monitor the performance of laboratories conducting HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) from dried blood spots (DBS) in low- to middle-income countries since 2006. Ten blind DBS proficiency test (PT) specimens and 100 known HIV-positive and -negative DBS specimens (to be used as internal controls) were shipped triannually to participating laboratories with reports for the PT specimens due within 30 days. The participant's results and a summary of the performance of all participating laboratories and each diagnostic method were provided after each test cycle. Enrollment in the CDC PT program expanded progressively from 17 laboratories from 11 countries in 2006 to include 136 laboratories from 41 countries at the end of 2012. Despite external pressures to test and treat more children while expanding EID programs, mean PT test scores significantly improved over time as demonstrated by the upward trend from mid-2006 to the end of 2012 (P=0.001) and the increase in the percentage of laboratories scoring 100% (P=0.003). The mean test scores plateaued over the past 10 testing cycles, ranging between 98.2% and 99.7%, and discordant test results still occur but at a rate of no higher than 2.6%. Analysis of these test results suggests a positive impact of proficiency testing on the testing performance of the participating laboratories, and a continuous training program and proficiency testing participation may translate into laboratories improving their testing accuracy.
Collapse
|
16
|
Lang PO, Govind S, Dramé M, Aspinall R. Comparison of manual and automated DNA purification for measuring TREC in dried blood spot (DBS) samples with qPCR. J Immunol Methods 2012; 384:118-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
17
|
Bélec L, Bonn JP. Challenges in implementing HIV laboratory monitoring in resource-constrained settings: how to do more with less. Future Microbiol 2012; 6:1251-60. [PMID: 22082287 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.11.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Laboratory monitoring for HIV disease in resource-limited settings has now become one of the key challenges for antiretroviral treatment (ART) access and success, as emphasized by the 2010 revised WHO guidelines for ART in resource-limited settings. Thus, the most common method for initiating ART, and monitoring treatment response in resource-constrained environments is the measurement of CD4 T-cell count. Affordable CD4 T-cell counting has gradually been made possible by using simple, compact and robust, low-cost, new-generation cytometers, operating as single-platform volumetric instruments. Several cost-effective point-of-care CD4 T-cell testing options are also already on the market, in order to improve access to CD4 T-cell monitoring, especially for rural patients, and to reduce loss-to-follow-up of patients. In addition, HIV RNA viral load measurement is becoming increasingly important, mainly for a systematic confirmation of first-line ART failure before switching to second-line treatment to avoid belated as well as premature therapeutic decisions and their potentially negative consequences. Viral load testing should now be considered as the standard of care for therapeutic failure in all resource-limited settings. However, the measurement of HIV viral load remains a centralized marker, carried out in a limited number of reference laboratories. Finally, the costs of second-line ART regimens, rather than the laboratory test costs themselves, currently constitute the primary determinant of the total cost in ART switching. Laboratory monitoring strategies may become more attractive as price negotiations render second-line ART regimens less expensive worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Bélec
- Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Laboratoire de Virologie, Paris, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nkenfou CN, Lobé EE, Ouwe-Missi-Oukem-Boyer O, Sosso MS, Dambaya B, Gwom LC, Moyo ST, Tangimpundu C, Ambada G, Fainguem N, Domkam I, Nnomzo'o E, Ekoa D, Milenge P, Colizzi V, Fouda PJ, Cappelli G, Torimiro JN, Bissek ACZK. Implementation of HIV early infant diagnosis and HIV type 1 RNA viral load determination on dried blood spots in Cameroon: challenges and propositions. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2012; 28:176-81. [PMID: 21679107 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2010.0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The testing of dried blood spots (DBSs) for human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) proviral DNA by PCR is a technology that has proven to be particularly valuable in diagnosing exposed infants. We implemented this technology for HIV-1 early infant diagnosis (EID) and HIV-1 RNA viral load determination in infants born of HIV-1-seropositive mothers from remote areas in Cameroon. The samples were collected between December 2007 and September 2010. Fourteen thousand seven hundred and sixty-three (14,763) DBS samples from infants born of HIV-positive mothers in 108 sites nationwide were tested for HIV. Of these, 1452 were positive on first PCR analyses (PCR1), giving an overall infection rate of 12.30%. We received only 475 DBS specimen for a second PCR testing (PCR2); out of these, 145 were positive. The median HIV-1 RNA viral load for 169 infant DBS samples tested was 6.85 log copies/ml, with values ranging from 3.37 to 8 log copies/ml. The determination of the viral load on the same DBS as that used for PCR1 allowed us to bypass the PCR2. The viral load values were high and tend to decrease with age but with a weak slope. The high values of viral load among these infants call for early and effective administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The findings from this study indicate that the use of DBS provides a powerful tool for perinatal screening programs, improvement on the testing algorithm, and follow-up during treatment, and thus should be scaled up to the entire nation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nguefeu Nkenfou
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Higher Teacher Training College, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Elise Elong Lobé
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Odile Ouwe-Missi-Oukem-Boyer
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Martin Samuel Sosso
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Béatrice Dambaya
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Luc-Christian Gwom
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Suzie Tetang Moyo
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Charlotte Tangimpundu
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Georgia Ambada
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Nadine Fainguem
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Irenée Domkam
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Etienne Nnomzo'o
- Direction de la Lutte contre la Maladie (DLM), Ministère de la Santé, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Daniel Ekoa
- Direction de la Lutte contre la Maladie (DLM), Ministère de la Santé, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Vittorio Colizzi
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Pierre Joseph Fouda
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Giulia Cappelli
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Judith Ndongo Torimiro
- “Chantal Biya” International Reference Centre for Research on HIV and AIDS Prevention and Management (CIRCB), Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Anne Cécile Zoung-Kanyi Bissek
- Direction de la Lutte contre la Maladie (DLM), Ministère de la Santé, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hassan AS, Sakwa EM, Nabwera HM, Taegtmeyer MM, Kimutai RM, Sanders EJ, Awuondo KK, Mutinda MN, Molyneux CS, Berkley JA. Dynamics and constraints of early infant diagnosis of HIV infection in Rural Kenya. AIDS Behav 2012; 16:5-12. [PMID: 21213034 PMCID: PMC3254874 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-010-9877-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A cohort design was used to determine uptake and drop out of 213 HIV-exposed infants eligible for Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) of HIV. To explore service providers and care givers knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the EID process, observations and in-depth interviews were conducted. 145 (68%) infants enrolled after 2 months of age. 139 (65%) dropped out before follow up to 18 months old. 60 (43%) drop outs occurred within 2 months of enrolment. Maternal factors associated with infant drop out were maternal loss to follow up (48 [68%] vs. 8 [20%], P < 0.001) and younger maternal age (27.2 vs. 30.1 years, P = 0.033). Service providers and caregivers had inadequate training, knowledge and understanding of EID. Poverty and lack of social support were challenges in accessing EID services. EID should be more closely aligned within PMTCT services, integrated with routine mother and child health (MCH) activities and its implementation more closely monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin S. Hassan
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
| | - Erick M. Sakwa
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
| | - Helen M. Nabwera
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
| | - Miriam M. Taegtmeyer
- Kilifi District Hospital, Kilifi, Kenya
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Robert M. Kimutai
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
| | - Eduard J. Sanders
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ken K. Awuondo
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
| | | | - Catherine S. Molyneux
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James A. Berkley
- Centre for Geographic Medicine Research (Coast), Kenya Medical Research Institute, PO Box 230, Kilifi, 80108 Kenya
- Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Anitha D, Jacob SM, Ganesan A, Sushi KM. Diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants using dried blood spots in Tamil Nadu, South India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2011; 32:99-102. [PMID: 22021971 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7184.85413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnosis of HIV infection in infants is difficult due to the presence of maternal antibodies; only nucleic acid assays are very helpful in early detection. Filter papers are especially useful for blood collection in resource-poor settings with limited access to diagnostic facilities. MATERIALS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS DBS samples were collected from the infants born to HIV seropositive mothers who had received single dose nevirapine at onset of labor. The samples were directly spotted onto the Whatman 903 cards from heel, big toe or finger prick depending on the age of the infants. A total of 766 infant samples were collected on dried blood spots (DBS) and transported to the Department of Experimental Medicine (DEM), Chennai, for testing from different government hospitals of rural and urban parts of Tamil Nadu, South India. According to National AIDS Control Organization's (NACO) protocol DNA was extracted from all these DBS and PCR was performed using the Roche kit version 1.5. RESULTS Fifteen infants were found to be HIV positive and 751 were HIV negative; all these 15 positive infants and 49 negative infants who were in the age group between 10 and 18 months were repeated with another DBS and compared with whole blood. The DBS results were concordant with the whole blood method and the sensitivity and specificity were 100%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Anitha
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M G R Medical University, Chennai, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wessman MJ, Theilgaard Z, Katzenstein TL. Determination of HIV status of infants born to HIV-infected mothers: A review of the diagnostic methods with special focus on the applicability of p24 antigen testing in developing countries. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 44:209-15. [DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2011.627569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
22
|
Molecular Detection and Characterization of HIV‐1. Mol Microbiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1128/9781555816834.ch35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
23
|
LaBarre P, Boyle D, Hawkins K, Weigl B. Instrument-free nucleic acid amplification assays for global health settings. PROCEEDINGS OF SPIE--THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR OPTICAL ENGINEERING 2011; 8029. [PMID: 25089171 DOI: 10.1117/12.882868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Many infectious diseases that affect global health are most accurately diagnosed through nucleic acid amplification and detection. However, existing nucleic acid amplification tests are too expensive and complex for most low-resource settings. The small numbers of centralized laboratories that exist in developing countries tend to be in urban areas and primarily cater to the affluent. In contrast, rural area health care facilities commonly have only basic equipment and health workers have limited training and little ability to maintain equipment and handle reagents.1 Reliable electric power is a common infrastructure shortfall. In this paper, we discuss a practical approach to the design and development of non-instrumented molecular diagnostic tests that exploit the benefits of isothermal amplification strategies. We identify modular instrument-free technologies for sample collection, sample preparation, amplification, heating, and detection. By appropriately selecting and integrating these instrument-free modules, we envision development of an easy to use, infrastructure independent diagnostic test that will enable increased use of highly accurate molecular diagnostics at the point of care in low-resource settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul LaBarre
- Diagnostics Group, PATH; 2201 Westlake Avenue; Suite 200; Seattle, WA 98121
| | - David Boyle
- Diagnostics Group, PATH; 2201 Westlake Avenue; Suite 200; Seattle, WA 98121
| | - Kenneth Hawkins
- Diagnostics Group, PATH; 2201 Westlake Avenue; Suite 200; Seattle, WA 98121
| | - Bernhard Weigl
- Diagnostics Group, PATH; 2201 Westlake Avenue; Suite 200; Seattle, WA 98121
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
RNA versus DNA (NucliSENS EasyQ HIV-1 v1.2 versus Amplicor HIV-1 DNA test v1.5) for early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants in Senegal. J Clin Microbiol 2011; 49:2590-3. [PMID: 21543563 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02402-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the performance of the NucliSENS EasyQ HIV-1 v1.2 platform (bioMérieux, France) to the Amplicor HIV-1 DNA test v1.5 (Roche Molecular Systems, Switzerland) in detecting HIV-1 infection in infants using venipuncture-derived whole blood in tubes and dried blood spots. A total of 149 dried blood spots and 43 EDTA-anticoagulated peripheral blood samples were collected throughout Dakar and other areas in Senegal from infants and children aged 3 weeks to 24 months who were born to HIV-1-infected mothers. Samples were tested using the NucliSENS and Amplicor technologies. The NucliSENS and Amplicor results were 100% concordant using either EDTA-anticoagulated peripheral blood or dried blood spots. Compared to Amplicor, the sensitivity and specificity of the NucliSENS test were 100%. The NucliSENS EasyQ HIV-1 RNA assay performed as well as the Amplicor HIV-1 DNA test in detecting HIV-1 infection in infants. In addition, this platform can give an indication of the viral load baseline. The NucliSENS EasyQ platform is a good alternative for early infant diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chohan BH, Emery S, Wamalwa D, John-Stewart G, Majiwa M, Ng'ayo M, Froggett S, Overbaugh J. Evaluation of a single round polymerase chain reaction assay using dried blood spots for diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants in an African setting. BMC Pediatr 2011; 11:18. [PMID: 21332984 PMCID: PMC3050718 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2431-11-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to develop an economical 'in-house' single round polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using filter paper-dried blood spots (FP-DBS) for early infant HIV-1 diagnosis and to evaluate its performance in an African setting. Methods An 'in-house' single round PCR assay that targets conserved regions in the HIV-1 polymerase (pol) gene was validated for use with FP-DBS; first we validated this assay using FP-DBS spiked with cell standards of known HIV-1 copy numbers. Next, we validated the assay by testing the archived FP-DBS (N = 115) from infants of known HIV-1 infection status. Subsequently this 'in-house' HIV-1 pol PCR FP-DBS assay was then established in Nairobi, Kenya for further evaluation on freshly collected FP-DBS (N = 186) from infants, and compared with findings from a reference laboratory using the Roche Amplicor® HIV-1 DNA Test, version 1.5 assay. Results The HIV-1 pol PCR FP-DBS assay could detect one HIV-1 proviral copy in 38.7% of tests, 2 copies in 46.9% of tests, 5 copies in 72.5% of tests and 10 copies in 98.1% of tests performed with spiked samples. Using the archived FP-DBS samples from infants of known infection status, this assay was 92.8% sensitive and 98.3% specific for HIV-1 infant diagnosis. Using 186 FP-DBS collected from infants recently defined as HIV-1 positive using the commercially available Roche Amplicor v1.5 assay, 178 FP-DBS tested positive by this 'in-house' single-round HIV-1 pol PCR FP-DBS PCR assay. Upon subsequent retesting, the 8 infant FP-DBS samples that were discordant were confirmed as HIV-1 negative by both assays using a second blood sample. Conclusions HIV-1 was detected with high sensitivity and specificity using both archived and more recently collected samples. This suggests that this 'in-house' HIV-1 pol FP-DBS PCR assay can provide an alternative cost-effective, reliable and rapid method for early detection of HIV-1 infection in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavna H Chohan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi-College of Health Sciences, off Ngong Road, Nairobi, Box 19767-00202, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Anitha D, Jacob SM, Ganesan A, Sushi KM. Diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants using dried blood spots in Tamil Nadu, South India. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS 2011. [PMID: 22021971 PMCID: PMC3195190 DOI: 10.4103/2589-0557.85413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diagnosis of HIV infection in infants is difficult due to the presence of maternal antibodies; only nucleic acid assays are very helpful in early detection. Filter papers are especially useful for blood collection in resource-poor settings with limited access to diagnostic facilities. MATERIALS #ENTITYSTARTX00026; METHODS DBS samples were collected from the infants born to HIV seropositive mothers who had received single dose nevirapine at onset of labor. The samples were directly spotted onto the Whatman 903 cards from heel, big toe or finger prick depending on the age of the infants. A total of 766 infant samples were collected on dried blood spots (DBS) and transported to the Department of Experimental Medicine (DEM), Chennai, for testing from different government hospitals of rural and urban parts of Tamil Nadu, South India. According to National AIDS Control Organization's (NACO) protocol DNA was extracted from all these DBS and PCR was performed using the Roche kit version 1.5. RESULTS Fifteen infants were found to be HIV positive and 751 were HIV negative; all these 15 positive infants and 49 negative infants who were in the age group between 10 and 18 months were repeated with another DBS and compared with whole blood. The DBS results were concordant with the whole blood method and the sensitivity and specificity were 100%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Anitha
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M G R Medical University, Chennai, India,Address for correspondence: Dr D. Anitha, Department of Experimental Medicine, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M G R Medical University, Chennai – 600 032, India. E-mail:
| | - S. Mini Jacob
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M G R Medical University, Chennai, India
| | - A. Ganesan
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M G R Medical University, Chennai, India
| | - K. Mary Sushi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M G R Medical University, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mwapasa V, Cachafeiro A, Makuta Y, Beckstead DJ, Pennell ML, Chilima B, Mwagomba B, Fiscus SA, Kwiek JJ. Using a simplified human immunodeficiency virus type 1 p24 antigen assay to diagnose pediatric HIV-infection in Malawi. J Clin Virol 2010; 49:299-302. [PMID: 20855231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a worldwide need for a pediatric HIV-1 diagnostic test that has a high diagnostic accuracy, is technically simple and cost efficient. The Up24 HIV-1 assay, which requires both the HIV-1 p24 ELISA and the ELAST signal amplification kit, has previously been shown to be a robust tool to diagnose pediatric HIV-1 from dried whole blood spots (DBS) (Cachafeiro et al., JCM 2009;47:459-62(13)). In order to make the assay more accessible to a resource-limited clinical setting, we eliminated the ELAST system, which simplified the Up24 assay, reduced its cost, and tested the accuracy of the modified assay in a rural Malawian hospital. OBJECTIVES In this proof of concept study, we tested the ability of a simplified Up24 antigen assay, without ELAST, to detect HIV-1 on DBS obtained via heel prick from 6-week-old Malawian infants. STUDY DESIGN A case-control study of DBS collected from 113 HIV-infected and 109 HIV-negative infants, using the HIV-1 DNA PCR assay as the reference standard. RESULTS The simplified HIV-1 Up24 assay had a sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 98%, respectively. When HIV-1 prevalence is 15%, the positive- and negative-predictive values are 89% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSION The simplified Up24 assay has a good positive- and a robust negative-predictive values, is easier to perform and has a reduced cost compared to both HIV DNA PCR and Up24 assays. With additional testing, the simplified Up24 assay has the potential to increase global access to pediatric HIV-1 diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mwapasa
- Department of Community Health, Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Slogrove AL, Cotton MF, Esser MM. Severe infections in HIV-exposed uninfected infants: clinical evidence of immunodeficiency. J Trop Pediatr 2010; 56:75-81. [PMID: 19602487 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmp057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
We describe the clinical and basic immunological findings of eight HIV-exposed uninfected infants hospitalized with serious infectious morbidity and referred for immunological evaluation. The median age at presentation was 5.5 (1.5-15) months. Infections included Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (three), cytomegalovirus colitis with perforation (one), Pseudomonas sepsis (two), hemorrhagic varicella (one) and Group A streptococcal meningitis and endocarditis (one). Five required intensive care, four for assisted ventilation and one for post-surgical care. Follow-up to 36 months suggested resolution of a transient immunodeficiency in two infants, one of whom had CD4 and the other B-cell depletion. Further studies are indicated in HIV-exposed uninfected infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Slogrove
- Tygerberg Children's Hospital and Stellenbosch University, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Tygerberg, 7505 Western Cape, South Africa.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Research needs and challenges in the development of HIV diagnostic and treatment monitoring tests for use in resource-limited settings. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2009; 3:495-503. [PMID: 19373011 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0b013e328303e5f9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to review research priorities for current and new technologies to diagnose HIV and to monitor treatment response, including technologies to enumerate CD4 cell counts and quantify plasma viral load, in resource-limited settings. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous challenges remain before HIV diagnostic and treatment monitoring technologies can be broadly implemented, especially in rural areas. New technologies that are less costly and complex to use are in development and may be better suited than current technologies for use in resource-limited settings. Investment into research activities is needed for development, evaluation and validation of new technologies. The lack of clarity in the process for evaluation and validation for these technologies affects country and program-level decisions on the appropriateness of technologies for individual settings. Implementation research is needed to assess how best to use CD4 and viral load to guide initiation and management of antiretroviral treatment, as well as how best to scale up diagnosis of HIV serostatus in infants. Studies also need to be conducted to determine if the same CD4 cutoffs can be used in resource-limited settings for initiating antiretroviral therapy and prophylaxis against opportunistic infections due to potential regional differences and the impact of other common co-morbidities on CD4 cell counts. SUMMARY Increased availability of antiretroviral therapy in resource-limited settings increases the need for reliable, less costly and simpler to use HIV diagnostic and treatment monitoring technologies. Global leadership is needed to coordinate the research and development necessary to ensure that HIV diagnostic and treatment monitoring technologies are properly evaluated in the setting where they will be used.
Collapse
|
30
|
de Vries JJC, Claas ECJ, Kroes ACM, Vossen ACTM. Evaluation of DNA extraction methods for dried blood spots in the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. J Clin Virol 2009; 46 Suppl 4:S37-42. [PMID: 19781984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2009] [Revised: 09/02/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dried blood spots (DBS) may be valuable in the diagnosis of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. However, the 2007 European Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD) proficiency testing programme showed that CMV DNA detection in DBS was lacking sensitivity in a considerable number of participating laboratories. OBJECTIVE To compare DNA extraction methods for DBS for detecting CMV. Sensitivity and applicability of the methods for high-throughput usage were assessed. STUDY DESIGN Guthrie cards were spotted with CMV DNA-positive whole blood (n=15). DNA was extracted from the DBS using different extraction methods, followed by CMV amplification by means of real-time PCR. RESULTS Significant differences between the extraction methods with respect to the sensitivity were found. Optimal sensitivity was achieved when samples were tested in triplicate, demonstrating that the methods in general operated around their detection limits. Triplicate testing using the protocol by Barbi et al. [Barbi M, et al. Cytomegalovirus DNA detection in Guthrie cards: a powerful tool for diagnosing congenital infection. J Clin Virol 2000;17:159-65], representing the most sensitive methods, resulted in sensitivities of 100%, 86%, and 50% for DBS with CMV DNA loads of 5-4, 4-3, and 3-2log(10)copies/ml, respectively. This indicates that sensitivity limitations apply in the clinically relevant concentration range. Few methods appeared suitable for 96-well format high-throughput testing. DISCUSSION When considering universal neonatal screening for congenital CMV infection, an assay which is both sensitive and applicable for high-throughput testing is required. The protocol by Barbi et al. and the BioRobot Universal System appear appropriate candidates currently available for 96-well format application in neonatal screening using DBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jutte J C de Vries
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Johannessen A, Troseid M, Calmy A. Dried blood spots can expand access to virological monitoring of HIV treatment in resource-limited settings. J Antimicrob Chemother 2009; 64:1126-9. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkp353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
|
32
|
Universal HIV testing of infants at immunization clinics: an acceptable and feasible approach for early infant diagnosis in high HIV prevalence settings. AIDS 2009; 23:1851-7. [PMID: 19491653 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0b013e32832d84fd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the acceptability and feasibility of universal HIV testing of 6-week-old infants attending immunization clinics to achieve early diagnosis of HIV and referral for HIV treatment and care services. DESIGN An observational cohort with intervention. METHODS Routine HIV testing of infants was offered to all mothers bringing infants for immunizations at three clinics in KwaZulu Natal. Blood samples were collected by heel prick onto filter paper. Dried blood spots were tested for HIV antibodies and, if present, were tested for HIV DNA by PCR. Exit interviews were requested of all mothers irrespective of whether they had agreed to infant testing or not. RESULTS Of 646 mothers bringing infants for immunizations, 584 (90.4%) agreed to HIV testing of their infant and 332 (56.8%) subsequently returned for results. Three hundred and thirty-two of 646 (51.4%) mothers and infants thereby had their HIV status confirmed or reaffirmed by the time the infant was 3 months of age. Overall, 247 of 584 (42.3%) infant dried blood spot samples had HIV antibodies indicating maternal HIV status. Of these, 54 (21.9%) samples were positive for HIV DNA by PCR. This equates to 9.2% (54/584) of all infants tested. The majority of mothers interviewed said they were comfortable with testing of their infant at immunization clinics and would recommend it to others. CONCLUSION Screening of all infants at immunization clinics is acceptable and feasible as a means for early identification of HIV-infected infants and referral for antiretroviral therapy.
Collapse
|
33
|
Workman S, Wells SK, Pau CP, Owen SM, Dong XF, LaBorde R, Granade TC. Rapid detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen using magnetic immuno-chromatography (MICT). J Virol Methods 2009; 160:14-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Revised: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/01/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
34
|
Mehta N, Trzmielina S, Nonyane BAS, Eliot MN, Lin R, Foulkes AS, McNeal K, Ammann A, Eulalievyolo V, Sullivan JL, Luzuriaga K, Somasundaran M. Low-cost HIV-1 diagnosis and quantification in dried blood spots by real time PCR. PLoS One 2009; 4:e5819. [PMID: 19503790 PMCID: PMC2688035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0005819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid and cost-effective methods for HIV-1 diagnosis and viral load monitoring would greatly enhance the clinical management of HIV-1 infected adults and children in limited-resource settings. Recent recommendations to treat perinatally infected infants within the first year of life are feasible only if early diagnosis is routinely available. Dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper are an easy and convenient way to collect and transport blood samples. A rapid and cost effective method to diagnose and quantify HIV-1 from DBS is urgently needed to facilitate early diagnosis of HIV-1 infection and monitoring of antiretroviral therapy. Methods and Findings We have developed a real-time LightCycler (rtLC) PCR assay to detect and quantify HIV-1 from DBS. HIV-1 RNA extracted from DBS was amplified in a one-step, single-tube system using primers specific for long-terminal repeat sequences that are conserved across all HIV-1 clades. SYBR Green dye was used to quantify PCR amplicons and HIV-1 RNA copy numbers were determined from a standard curve generated using serially diluted known copies of HIV-1 RNA. This assay detected samples across clades, has a dynamic range of 5 log10, and %CV <8% up to 4 log10 dilution. Plasma HIV-1 RNA copy numbers obtained using this method correlated well with the Roche Ultrasensitive (r = 0.91) and branched DNA (r = 0.89) assays. The lower limit of detection (95%) was estimated to be 136 copies. The rtLC DBS assay was 2.5 fold rapid as well as 40-fold cheaper when compared to commercial assays. Adaptation of the assay into other real-time systems demonstrated similar performance. Conclusions The accuracy, reliability, genotype inclusivity and affordability, along with the small volumes of blood required for the assay suggest that the rtLC DBS assay will be useful for early diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric HIV-1 infection in resource-limited settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nishaki Mehta
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sonia Trzmielina
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bareng A. S. Nonyane
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Melissa N. Eliot
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rongheng Lin
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrea S. Foulkes
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kristina McNeal
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Arthur Ammann
- Global Strategies for HIV Prevention, San Rafael, California, United States of America
| | | | - John L. Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Katherine Luzuriaga
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mohan Somasundaran
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dried-plasma transport using a novel matrix and collection system for human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus virologic testing. J Clin Microbiol 2009; 47:1491-6. [PMID: 19321732 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02354-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel method for the collection and transportation of dried-blood-plasma samples, SampleTanker (ST), was developed and compared to standard shipping protocols for frozen-plasma specimens containing human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV). Matched frozen and dried 1-ml EDTA-containing plasma samples were collected and analyzed by several molecular-based virologic assays. After addition of 1.175 ml of reconstitution buffer, 1.035 ml of dried plasma was recovered. Mean intra-assay variances were 0.05, 0.05, and 0.06 log(10) copies/ml for the Versant, Amplicor, and NucliSens QT HIV-1 load assays, respectively (P, not significant). However, mean HIV-1 viral load was consistently reduced in dried samples by 0.32 to 0.51 log(10) copies/ml, depending on assay type (P < 0.05). Infectious HIV-1 was not recovered from dried ST plasma. There was no significant difference in HIV-1 viral load results obtained using ST after 8 weeks of storage at ambient temperature. Compared to frozen plasma, HIV-1 genotypic results were >99% concordant at the nucleotide and amino acid levels, as well as for resistance-associated mutations. We further demonstrated successful detection of multiple analytes, including HIV-1 viral load, HIV-1 antiretroviral resistance genotype, and HCV genotype, from a single ST unit. Dried plasma collected with ST yielded comparable results to frozen samples for multiple-analyte clinical testing. As such, ST could be a useful alternative for virologic tests and clinical trials worldwide by significantly diminishing transportation cost and the sample volume restrictions associated with dried-blood-spot technology.
Collapse
|
36
|
Early HIV-1 diagnosis using in-house real-time PCR amplification on dried blood spots for infants in remote and resource-limited settings. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2009; 49:465-71. [PMID: 18989220 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e31818e2531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-limited settings, most perinatally HIV-1-infected infants do not receive timely antiretroviral therapy because early HIV-1 diagnosis is not available or affordable. OBJECTIVE To assess the performance of a low-cost in-house real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect HIV-1 DNA in infant dried blood spots (DBS). METHODS One thousand three hundred nineteen DBS collected throughout Thailand from non-breast-fed infants born to HIV-1-infected mothers were shipped at room temperature to a central laboratory.In-house real-time DNA PCR results were compared with Roche Amplicor HIV-1 DNA test (Version 1.5) results. In addition, we verified the Roche test performance on DBS sampled from 1218 other infants using as reference HIV serology result at 18 months of age. RESULTS Real-time DNA PCR and Roche DNA PCR results were 100% concordant. Compared with HIV serology results, the Roche test sensitivity was 98.6% (95% confidence interval: 92.6% to 100.0%) and its specificity at 4 months of age was 99.7% (95% confidence interval: 99.2% to 99.9%). CONCLUSIONS In-house real-time PCR performed as well as the Roche test in detecting HIV-1 DNA on DBS in Thailand. Combined use of DBS and real-time PCR assays is a reliable and affordable tool to expand access to early HIV-1 diagnosis in remote and resource-limited settings, enabling timely treatment for HIV-1-infected infants.
Collapse
|
37
|
Qualitative human immunodeficiency virus RNA analysis of dried blood spots for diagnosis of infections in infants. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 47:220-2. [PMID: 19005148 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01521-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gen-Probe Aptima human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA assay was adapted for the diagnosis of HIV infection in infants by using dried blood spots. The assay was 99% sensitive (128/129) and 100% specific (162/162). This may prove useful in resource-limited settings, since it precludes the need for a phlebotomist and maintenance of a cold chain.
Collapse
|
38
|
Performance of a novel human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 total nucleic acid-based real-time PCR assay using whole blood and dried blood spots for diagnosis of HIV in infants. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:3941-5. [PMID: 18923017 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00754-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The new Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test offers advanced automation for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA and DNA in dried blood spots (DBS) and whole blood. An analytical evaluation using an HIV-1 secondary standard yielded limits of detection of 514, 710, and 1,090 HIV RNA copies/ml for EDTA plasma, whole blood, and DBS, respectively. The precision and reproducibility of HIV-1 detection was equivalent for DBS and whole blood. Inclusivity was demonstrated for a reference panel of HIV-1 subtypes A to N. A clinical evaluation of the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test was performed at a center for routine diagnostics in Johannesburg, South Africa, using 1,013 clinical specimens from HIV-1 exposed children. The Amplicor HIV-1 DNA test v1.5 with the MagNApure DNA isolation procedure was used as the reference method. A total of 995 valid results for whole blood with both methods yielded 691 and 303 concordant negative and positive results for the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test, respectively. For the 800 valid DBS specimen results, 495 and 300 concordant negative and positive results were obtained, respectively. The resulting clinical specificities and sensitivities of the new test were 100% and 99.7% for whole blood and DBS, respectively. The new test was characterized by its robustness, enhanced automation, and improved sample throughput. The Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 Qual test will support early, reliable diagnosis of HIV in children in routine laboratory settings.
Collapse
|
39
|
Pahwa S, Read JS, Yin W, Matthews Y, Shearer W, Diaz C, Rich K, Mendez H, Thompson B. CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio for diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants: Women and Infants Transmission Study. Pediatrics 2008; 122:331-9. [PMID: 18676551 PMCID: PMC4699439 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2007-2308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio could predict HIV infection status in HIV-exposed infants. METHODS CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratios were determined from data for live-born singleton infants who had been prospectively enrolled in the Women and Infants Transmission Study. Data for 2208 infants with known HIV infection status (179 HIV-infected and 2029 uninfected infants) were analyzed. RESULTS Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that the CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratio performed better than the proportion of CD4(+) T cells for diagnosis of HIV infection as early as 2 months of age, and this relationship was unaffected by adjustment for maternal race/ethnicity, infant birth weight, gestational age, and gender. At 4 months of age, 90% specificity for HIV diagnosis was associated with 60% sensitivity. For ease of use, graphical estimates based on cubic splines for the time-dependent parameters in a Box-Cox transformation (L), the median (M), and the coefficient of variation (S) were used to create LMS centile curves to show the sensitivity and specificity of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratios in HIV-infected and uninfected infants until 12 months of age. At 6 months of age, a simplified equation that incorporated sequential CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratios and hematocrit values resulted in improved receiver operating characteristic curves, with 94% positive predictive value and 98% negative predictive value. The positive and negative predictive values remained above 90% in simulated infant populations over a wide range of HIV infection prevalence values. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of virological diagnosis, a presumptive diagnosis of HIV infection status can be made on the basis of CD4(+)/CD8(+) T cell ratios in HIV-1-exposed infants after 2 months of age; sensitivity and specificity can be improved at 6 months by using a discriminant analysis equation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Savita Pahwa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Diminished human immunodeficiency virus type 1 DNA yield from dried blood spots after storage in a humid incubator at 37 degrees C compared to -20 degrees C. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:2945-9. [PMID: 18614660 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00359-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Collecting whole blood on filter paper simplifies the processing, transport, and storage of specimens used for the diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other tests. Specimens may be collected in tropical or rural areas with minimal facilities for handling specimens. To compare simulated tropical conditions with freezer storage, we examined the stability of HIV-1 DNA in dried blood spots (DBS) stored in humid heat and at -20 degrees C. DBS were created by spotting 50-microl aliquots of whole blood on 903 filter paper. DNA was extracted from DBS at baseline and after 2, 6, or 12 months of storage at -20 degrees C or at 37 degrees C with approximately 85% humidity. The DNA was tested undiluted or diluted using the Amplicor HIV-1 DNA PCR (Roche), version 1.5. Each reaction was scored positive, negative, or indeterminate based on optical density. Results were compared between storage conditions and over time. A total of 1,832 reactions from 916 DBS were analyzed, including 100 DBS at baseline, 418 stored at -20 degrees C, and 398 stored at 37 degrees C. A chi-square test showed fewer positive reactions for DBS stored at 37 degrees C (55%) than for those stored at -20 degrees C (78%) (P < 0.0001). Samples stored at -20 degrees C showed little change in the probability of detection of HIV-1 DNA over time; the odds ratio (OR) was 0.93 after storage for 1 year. Samples stored at 37 degrees C demonstrated a significant change in detection at 1 year (OR, 0.29). We conclude that exposure of DBS to 37 degrees C and high humidity impaired the recovery of HIV-1 DNA from DBS, whereas DNA recovery was preserved when DBS were stored frozen.
Collapse
|
41
|
McKellar MS, Callens SFJ, Colebunders R. Pediatric HIV infection: the state of antiretroviral therapy. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2008; 6:167-80. [PMID: 18380599 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.6.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pediatric HIV/AIDS has become less of a problem in resource-rich countries as the number of perinatal infections has reduced dramatically since the advent of antiretrovirals, resulting in the effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission. In resource-limited settings, however, pediatric HIV infection remains a colossal problem; a separate review in this same issue of Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy examines the international aspects of pediatric HIV/AIDS. Treatment of HIV infection in children differs from that in adults in the use of immunologic markers and owing to drug pharmacokinetics and age-related adherence issues. This review, geared for the general pediatrician or family practitioner who may see the HIV-positive child in the clinic or the hospital, summarizes the most recent pediatric data and guidelines for the testing and treatment of HIV, including the US NIH guidelines released in February 2008. Treatment-experienced patients, who should be cared for by pediatric HIV specialists, are not addressed here specifically. Adolescents, infected either perinatally or sexually, with their own unique issues, deserve a separate review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehri S McKellar
- AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 1300 N. Vermont Avenue, Suite 407, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Rouet F, Rouzioux C. HIV-1 viral load testing cost in developing countries: what's new? Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2008; 7:703-7. [PMID: 18020900 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.7.6.703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
43
|
Ferraz AS, Belo EFT, Coutinho LMCC, Oliveira AP, Carmo AMS, Franco DL, Ferreira T, Yto AY, Machado MSF, Scola MCG, De Gaspari E. Storage and stability of IgG and IgM monoclonal antibodies dried on filter paper and utility in Neisseria meningitidis serotyping by Dot-blot ELISA. BMC Infect Dis 2008; 8:30. [PMID: 18325118 PMCID: PMC2311311 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-8-30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A simple filter paper method was developed for, the transport and storage of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) at room temperature or -20°C after spotting on filter paper, for subsequent serotyping of outer membrane antigens of N.meningitidis by dot-blot ELISA. Methods Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were spotted within a 0.5–1 cm diameter area of Whatman grade 903 paper, which were stored individually at room temperature or at -20°C. These MAbs were stored and analyzed after periods of one week, 4 weeks, 12 months, or 13 years in the case of frozen Mab aliquots, or after 4 weeks at -20°C or at room temperature (RT) in the case of Mabs dried on filter paper strips. Assays were performed in parallel using dot-blot ELISA. In addition to the MAbs specific for serotyping class 1, 2 or 3, we used a larger number of Mabs for polysaccharides, lipooligosaccharides (LOS), class 5 and cross-reactive antigens for native outer membrane of N.meningitidis. The Mabs dried on filter paper were eluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.2% gelatin. Results Mabs of the isotypes IgG and IgM dried on filter papers were not affected by duration of storage. The detection by serotyping Mabs was generally consistent for dried filter paper MAb samples stored frozen for over 1 year at -20°C, and although decreased reactive antibody titers were found after storage, this did not interfere with the specificity of the Mabs used after 13 years as dry spots on filter paper. Conclusion The use of filter paper is an inexpensive and convenient method for collecting, storing, and transporting Mab samples for serotyping studies. In addition, the samples occupy little space and can be readily transported without freezing. The efficiency of using immunoglobulin G (IgG) or M (IgM) eluted was found to be consistent with measurement of IgG or IgM titers in most corresponding, ascites Mabs stored frozen for over 1 year. The application of meningococcal typing methods and designations depend on the question being asked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aline S Ferraz
- Immunology Section, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Comparison of results obtained with Amplicor HIV-1 DNA PCR test version 1.5 using 100 versus 500 microliters of whole blood. J Clin Microbiol 2008; 46:1104-5. [PMID: 18199786 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.02259-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Amplicor HIV-1 DNA PCR assay (Roche Diagnostics, Branchburg, NJ) requires 500 microl of whole blood for a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, and this amount is often difficult to obtain from infants. A comparison was performed using 100 and 500 microl of whole blood from infants less than 18 months of age. The concordance rate for HIV DNA PCR-negative and -positive samples was 100% for the two different volumes.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bonne N, Clark P, Shearer P, Raidal S. Elimination of False-Positive Polymerase Chain Reaction Results Resulting from Hole Punch Carryover Contamination. J Vet Diagn Invest 2008; 20:60-3. [DOI: 10.1177/104063870802000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The collection of biological material (e.g., blood) directly onto filter paper for subsequent use in laboratory assays such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has become a common practice. Dried cells or fluid on the paper can be readily rehydrated and retrieved into a standard volume of an appropriate elution buffer but introduces a dilution factor to the sample. The use of a common cutting instrument for excising a standard-sized piece of paper that contains the material also introduces the potential for transferring biological material from one sample to subsequent samples, causing false-positive results by PCR. In the present study, filter-paper-collected blood that contained beak and feather disease virus was used to determine if viral DNA could be transferred between samples by a hole punch used to excise sequential filter papers. It was determined that false-positive results could be obtained at least 13 times after a positive sample. Subsequently, the efficacy of 4 methods of hole punch disinfection, flaming, VirkonS, bleach, and a bleach-ethanol combination, was assessed. The only effective and practical method to destroy DNA was a method where the hole punch was agitated in commercial bleach, rinsed in water, the water was displaced with 100% ethanol and air-dried. This method was simple, cheap, and relatively rapid, and allowed for the use of a single hole punch for a series of samples, without carryover contamination and consequent false-positive results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Bonne
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Division of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch. Western Australia
| | - Phillip Clark
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Division of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch. Western Australia
| | - Patrick Shearer
- School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences. Division of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch. Western Australia
| | - Shane Raidal
- School of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, Charles Sturt University. Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Evaluation of the ultrasensitive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) p24 antigen assay performed on dried blood spots for diagnosis of HIV-1 infection in infants. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2007; 15:388-91. [PMID: 18057183 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00265-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The diagnostic accuracy of the modified p24 antigen assay performed on pediatric dried blood spots was evaluated. Samples analyzed within 6 weeks of collection yielded no false-positive results (specificity, 100%) and few false-negative results (sensitivity, 96.5% to 98.3%). Laboratory services with limited resources should assess this option for routine infant diagnosis.
Collapse
|
47
|
Driver GA, Patton JC, Moloi J, Stevens WS, Sherman GG. Low risk of contamination with automated and manual excision of dried blood spots for HIV DNA PCR testing in the routine laboratory. J Virol Methods 2007; 146:397-400. [PMID: 17854915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2007.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2007] [Revised: 07/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In low resource settings the inability to diagnose HIV in infants early presents a major obstacle to providing care for HIV-infected children. Dried blood spot samples offer a solution to the scarcity of skills available for venesecting young infants but pose challenges to laboratories because their processing requirements are distinct from that of the liquid blood samples widely used for viral detection assays. Different methods of excising 287 paired HIV-positive and HIV-negative dried blood spot samples (n=574) for testing by the Roche Amplicor HIV-1 DNA assay version 1.5 were assessed. A manual punch in conjunction with three different cleaning protocols (n=372) and an automated punch (BSD 1000 GenePunch) using a single cleaning protocol (n=202) was assessed for the risk of cross contamination between samples. A single false positive result obtained using the automated punch may have been attributable to contamination during the excision step of the assay. Excision of dried blood spot samples is associated with a very low risk of cross contamination regardless of the instrument or cleaning intervention used. The process of excising dried blood spot samples should not compromise the results of HIV viral detection assays performed on dried blood spots in routine laboratories which is encouraging for increasing access to an accurate diagnosis of HIV in infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Glenn A Driver
- Wits Paediatric HIV Clinics, Wits Health Consortium, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|